Spanish Riding School

A show that has been running for 440 years might not sound like the ideal way to entertain teenagers, but the performances put on by specially trained horses at the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Reitschule) at Michaelerplatz will impress even the most reluctant teen.  This supreme exhibition of equine power and grace is something any horse lover will remember forever.  Tickets are not cheap, but try to get front-row seats, as the cheaper ones will offer restricted views, and you won’t be able to appreciate the sheer magic in full.

Spanish Riding School, Vienna, Austria by Ethan Prater / License: Creative Commons

Kaffee und Kuchen

Viennese coffee-house culture appeals to all ages.  Whether you are a fan of lofty gilded ceilings and elegant snowy linens or you just cannot resist a good sugar rush, the cafe/bakeries of Vienna should provide a breathing space for all the family.  Even if your kids don’t appreciate the majestically historic settings, they are sure to enjoy a sumptuous stück of Sachertorte, with its dense chocolate interior, or a comforting wedge of apple strudel, warmly spiced and dripping with cream.

Prater

Although incredibly low-tech by the standards of most console-toting teens, the Vienna Prater is a proper amusement park that should awake a glimmer of excitement among your younger charges – especially if you let them batter you in the bumper cars.  A green escape from the city, the Prater is home to the Giant Ferris Wheel, one of Vienna’s most recognisable symbols and a great place to get a proper view of Vienna. It may seem so last-century to younger members of your family, but rent the classic thriller The Third Man before you leave:  There’s a legendary climactic scene set high up on the ferris wheel.  The Vienna Prater season runs from March to October, but the ferris wheel and some other attractions are open all year round.

Vienna Prater, Austria by Ethan Prater / License: Creative Commons

Danube Island

When they’re just one museum away from rebelling, underground lines U1 and U6 will bring you to the 21km-long seaside refuge of Danube Island.  Let them burn off energy (or resentment) swimming, surfing, careening down the waterslide, boating, cycling, skating, or playing beach volleyball while you lounge on the sand – or let them do the lounging while you burn off all that lovely cake.  It’s a great place for a picnic too.

Bungee Jumping

At 252 metres, the Vienna Donauturm is the tallest freestanding structure in Vienna and one of the 75 tallest towers in the world, making it the ideal location for a spot of bungee jumping.  Located close to the north bank of the Danube River in the Donaustadt district, the tower operates two high-speed lifts to a viewing tower, taking just 35 seconds to reach a height of 150 metres.  If this is not excitement enough, bungee jumping is offered from the observation platform during the summer months.

Danube tower (Donauturm), Vienna, Austria by Cha già José / License: Creative Commons

Aoife O’Carroll is a staff writer for Nova Car Hire, a convenient website for arranging car rental in 26,000 locations worldwide, including car hire in Vienna.

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Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a beautiful Baroque palace, which served as a summer residence of Maria Theresa and Franz Josef I and was also a favorite place of Empress Sisi. It is the most visited sight in Vienna and one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria.

The castle is located near the underground line U4 (green) “Schonbrunn”. The whole area is large, you can often walk free of charge, but at the entrance to the inside there is an admission fee (basic adult €9.50). The castle has a total of 1,441 rooms, of which only 40 rooms are opened to visitors. You can also visit the zoo, palm glass house or castle park.

There is a Schöner Brunnen fountain, and according to legend, whoever drinks from it will become pretty.

Originally, the castle was located just outside Vienna, but with time, the city has grown and it is now a part of the city center. When visiting Vienna, do not miss the castle – it is considered as one of the symbols of the city.

Hofburg

The Hofburg was the residence of emperors and it is now the seat of the Austrian president. The oldest part was built in 1279. The Hofburg is located in the heart of Vienna on the Ringstrasse near the underground station “Museumsquartier”.

In the area there is Sisi Museum, Jewel Box, Black Chamber, the Spanish Riding School, the Austrian National Library, the Museum of Ephesus and two large gardens.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (German: Stephansdom)

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a gothic cathedral located on the Stephen’s square (Stephenplatz) in Vienna’s historic center near the underground station Stephenplatz. Cathedral is from the 12th century. The temple is open to the public daily and admission is free.

Townhall – Rathaus

Rathaus is located on the Ringstrasse next to the metro line U2 Rathaus. The building was completed in 1883. It is possible to take a tour of the townhall.

Parliament

The parliament building is located near the town hall and near the Hofburg. It was built in the late 19th century, inspired by ancient Greece. In front there is a statue of the goddess Athena. Parliament is open to the public.

Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)

Belvedere Palace is the second largest palace complex in Vienna after the already mentioned Schönbrunn. The palace is situated near the metro station U4 (green) “Stadtpark” and “Karlsplatz”. The palace was built between 1714 – 1723 as a summer residence for Eugene of Savoy.

In the lower part of the castle there is the Austrian Museum of Baroque Art. There is a castle garden inspired by gardens of Versailles and the Alpine Garden. Belvedere is open to the public every day and admission fee to all parts for the adult is €14 and €9.50 to separated part.

Karlskirche

Karlskirche or Church of St. Charles Borromeo is one of the most important Baroque buildings. The church dates from the 18th century and is located near the underground station “Karlsplatz”.

The church is dominated by copper dome which is 72 meters high. The building combines several architectural styles, such as the entrance area with antique portico, the Roman elements and Baroque features as well. The church is open every day and admission for adults is €6, the price also includes entry into the dome. During the Mass the admission is free.

Further interesting places in Wien

The Wiener Prater

The Wiener Prater is a famous amusement park (there is a free entry but you have to pay for the attraction separately), which is based in the same-name park, established by Joseph II. already in 1766.

The Wiener Prater is open all year round, but attractions are in operation only since mid-March to late October. You can find it near the metro station “Praternstern” on the underground line U1 (red), which is only three stops from the central station “Stephenplatz”. In Prater there is a giant bicycle, which was built in 1897.

Everyone can find something interesting in the Prater, for expample classic carousels, attractions, houses of horror, shootings, game rooms as well as casinos. Entrance to the grounds is free and entry to various attractions ranges from €2 to €10.

Albertina

Albertina is the most famous art gallery in Vienna, located near the Hofburg. The collection is placed here since 1795 and was founded by Duke Albert von Sachsen-Teschen. Thanks to him, visitors can admire works by Albrecht Dürer, Rubens and Manet. There are also temporary exhibitions here. The gallery is open daily and admission is €9.50.

UNO City

UNO City is the center of the modern city as well as Stephansplatz is the center of historic Vienna. Nearest subway line U1 (red) is the “Kaisermühlen – Vienna International Center”. There are skyscrapers and the building of the United Nations. The whole area is constantly growing.

The Donauinsel (Danube Island)

The Donauinsel island stretches along the whole of Vienna. You can get there from the center when you stop off at the station “Danube Island” of the subway line U1 (red). The island is over 20 km long and is artificially constructed to protect against flooding. It’s true sporting paradise and home to cycling, inline skating and 42 km of beaches. There are various events and music festivals.

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